This three-year Project Grant from the National Science Foundation's Division of Chemistry, totaling $272,511, will fund collaborative research between Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma on tailoring the distribution of transient versus dynamic active sites in solid-acid catalysts and their impacts on chemical conversions. The researchers, led by Drs. Jeffrey White, Steven Crossley, Daniel Resasco and Bin Wang, will work to identify new zeolite catalyst materials that can convert unconventional and water-rich feedstocks, as well as reduce environmental footprints, through an interdisciplinary approach involving synthesis, characterization, simulation, and reaction analysis. The goals are to reduce unwanted chemical byproducts and control reversible versus irreversible active site degradation pathways. Outreach activities will increase awareness of catalysis research and attract industrial partners, while training students from underrepresented groups to strengthen the STEM workforce. This award supports the Mathematical and Physical Sciences program's objective to advance scientific knowledge and understanding of major problems through catalytic materials research.